If you intend to stay in the game, get a proper golf brolly. There are however many on the market that can range from $25 for basic, then upwards of $100 for the high end high tech versions. I have everything from the cheap corporate giveaways to the near indestructible German made Birdie Pal.

Never got the triple canopy Gustbusters though, which are a bit over the top in my opinion. Hardly any wind here in Sing, at most double canopy would do for windy days. Then, very expensive and darn heavy some more. Very pro looking of course, but they got caddies.

Don't overlook the corporate ones hor, can be very good. I like the all black Nokia one they were giving away at the Barclays one year. Got a great red one from Toyota too.

In essence, look for these things in a golf umbrella.

Handle - Foam rubber is comfy to hold and light. Some prefer solid rubber handles. If you do choose that, go for the ones with ergonomic handles moulded to the shape of your hand (Nike)

Central shaft - Fibreglass is lightweight and flexes. Metal ones are heavy and are prone to snapping in two once there is a dink or bend.

Canopy - Single canopy is lightweight. Look for those that can be reset back if the wind collapses it, these umbrellas usually have flexible plastic ribs. Double canopy is heavier but allows the wind to gust through. Usually cannot reset back cos of the more complicated rib construction. The plastic ribs should have sturdy plastic tips permanently fixed on. The cheaper brollys have flimsy plastic caps that can be pulled off. Avoid those, they fall off or break easily. Stitching should be sturdy and not have threads sticking out all over the place. That show poor worksmanship.

Umbrella Point - the end opposite the handle should be tapered so it sits properly into the metal/plastic/fabric ring holder at the base of your bag.

When closed, there should be a springloaded cap to sit all the rubs under. This keeps the ribs from accidental breakage. And avoid any metal parts cos they rust over time and the rust can stain your bag.

For me, it's a balance of light weight and sturdy construction in the end. And I find that $25 can get you a good enough umbrella, you just have to look around for the best constructed ones. Too expensive, when you lose it, also heart pain. And how often do you really use it, unless of course you're a lady. But when you need it, you want a good strong one.

I find that Golf House has a good variety of umbrellas to choose from.

ps. there are lady specific umbrellas these days too. Lightweight and with pretty patterns. Saw a couple at the above location.

Hope this helps.

Wow Birdman.... nice info about umbrellas... didn't know there were so much variety. I bought a simple Mizuno golf umbrella about 3 years ago. Been in the trunk of my car ever since cause I am lazy and never used it.

Wonder why I bother to buy one in the first place... haa haa

Hi Birdman.... and agree with X-man... great info...

from my past experience working with the golf industry, there is currently one of the best is a brand called "bridiepal"

A friend of mine was the agent here... however, birdiepal decided to pull out their office from Singapore... have no idea why...

But there are limited stocks left... and are sold in Pan West... go have a google.

I currently own one... but i think the top of the line birdiepal... is super worth it... because... the manufacturer kinda guarentees the umbrella... and they show you the tests they perform.. like... running a tractor over the umbrellas.... and because of their "patent" it is very difficult to invert... if you like to have a look at that umbrella... let me know... and I can bring it down to the range...

cheeers.

You can checkout birdie pal here at this site.

http://www.euroschirm.com/singapore/index.cgi

Birdman, excellent post; a wealth of info on golf brollys ... maybe need to seek help....
I mean i need to seek help from the golf umbrella gurus here.

So what do you think is the ideal swingweight of the golf umbrella?
With regards to the central shaft, I'm guess I'm more old skool and stick with steel. However I did get a longer umbrella with a graphite shaft. But I think the flex is not right. Just the other day during a downpour, I think the shaft flexed a bit much, as a result there was slight dispersion and left toecap of shoe got slightly wet. Or maybe it's my technique? I think I've got a pretty consistent technique now of opening and using the umbrella and am considering getting custom fitted. Know any good fitters to recommend?

Too funny la you!

Wah Say... Ssquirrel.... Next thing you know... we be setting up for Custom Umbrellas... LOL

Shaft Length... Shaft Flex... Grip type... Hood Shape... Hood Angle... Tit Length (oops... Tip Length)...

nrafee.... i guess if no one do... we do ...

GR business...

We have all sort of sizes within the forum what... I'll represent the short and fat... LOL

Hi,

Anybody know what is the avg prices of the golf umbrella of birdiepal ?

No worries Brudder Slicer51...